BY H. THROTTLE
AUTOMOTIVE COLUMNIST
Mazda has come a long, long, way in production of amazing vehicles and one of the best came my way this past week in the Mazda 2022 CX-30 turbo premium AWD model. This “Machine Gray” metallic painted four-door sedan is a masterpiece of ingenuity, performance, and comfort. A complete package with all options priced at $36,345.
So many bells and whistles on this model; but the performance package is best with a 2.5L turbo engine producing 227 horsepower linked to a six-speed transmission with steering wheel paddle shifters. This package sets the stage for exciting performance. The engine is smooth, and the turbo power boost is awesome, along with the sport mode selection. The speedometer indicates 160 as the top speed that is optimistic, but this model has excellent performance.
Along with the power comes an arsenal of safety features, 4-wheel disk brakes, knee, side, frontal, air bags and every safety feature in existence giving this CX-30 a perfect overall five-star safety rating.
Especially appreciated is the rear cross-traffic warning that indicates a car is approaching, spotted by the rear camera well before the driver backs into the passing vehicle. So good at the busy grocery stores and angle parking locations.
Made for Colorado weather, the CX-30 has heated outside mirrors, seats, steering wheel, and wiper deicer.
Mazda is an international car company based in Japan that produces and sell 1.5 million vehicles worldwide. This model is manufactured in Salamanca, Mexico with a Mexican engine and Thailand transmission that blend well together. Backing up this powertrain package is a 60 month/60K warranty package.
The outside mirrors are some of the best with wide heated lenses giving a clear rearview picture. Seats are leather trimmed, and the interior has some leather dash appointments. The 12-speaker Bose sound system is excellent. However, It would be easier to control if dials were used rather than center console and steering wheel controls.
This is a powerful package and the CX-30 isn’t a toy, but the real deal with power, safety, performance, and good looks. Loaded with power options that include a 360-degree monitor view to assist handy in parking situations.
Mazda offers an exceptional package of performance, safety, navigation, and technical features for exceptional value.
This is a car that this reviewer would like in the garage.